Susan Boyle made a stunning return to the stage when she performed at the Britain's Got Talent finale on Sunday, before revealing that the comeback almost didn't happen as she spoke about her stroke for the very first time.
The shy scot, 62, stunned viewers when she rocked up on the show alongside the cast of Les Misérables - just as she did in 2009 with her beautiful version of I Dreamed a Dream.
After belting out that classic, which her catapulted her to global fame, the artist - affectionately known as SuBo - beamed as the audience in the Eventim Apollo gave her a standing ovation on the weekend.
However Susan, who is said to be worth millions, shocked fans when she revealed she'd suffered a stroke, which left her doubting if she would be able to perform.
So, as we welcome the former BGT winner back to the spotlight, let's take a look at the star's life now...
Secret stroke
Susan shocked BGT fans when she revealed she'd suffered a minor stroke, which left her doubting whether she could perform.
Speaking about making a return to the ITV talent show, she said on Sunday: "It's extra special for me actually, last April there, I suffered a minor stroke and I thought it'd be crazy to be back on stage and I have done it."
Show boss Simon Cowell went on to praise the star, revealing he had known the singing sensation had been unwell during her secret health struggles.
Viewers rushed to compliment Susan on her return to the stage, with one tweeting: "Huge huge respect for Susan Boyle. Post stroke and absolutely smashing it on BGT tonight! Incredible!"
Boyfriend
Susan has kept her private life out of the spotlight, but the shy star celebrated her birthday in April and was pictured in a rare snap at the Knock House Hotel in Ireland.
It wasn't clear if she is currently dating, but SuBo once admitted it wasn't "serious at the moment" with an American doctor.
Explaining she didn't feel it was fair on him to put his life story in the public eye for all to see, Susan was rumoured to have been enjoy his company.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2016 she joked: "I will send him a picture of my weight loss – if he’s a good boy! I do enjoy male companionship."
Still living in a council house
Unlike other celebrities who have splashed out on mega mansions and flashy sports cars, Susan still lives in her childhood home in West Lothian, Scotland.
A number of years ago, the talented singer spent £111,000 on the semi-detached ex-council house next door to her childhood home in a bid to turn the properties into her ‘dream home’.
Although she could afford to bag herself a palatial pad, the star said she it found it too hard to part with the home she grew up in due to its sentimental value.
She previously told OK! magazine: "It’s to do with the memories of your house and your upbringing, you need to take stock of things and maybe see where you come from and where your roots lie."
"It’s best to be grounded and with your roots. It keeps you grounded and prevents you from saying things maybe you shouldn't say."
£22m fortune
Susan's debut album, I Dreamed A Dream, was a huge success and was one of the biggest releases of the 21st century, selling more than 10 million copies across the world.
The star is said to have made over £22million during her career, but she's not one to "flash the cash".
The singer previously told Piers Morgan she lives off a humble £300-500 weekly allowance to keep her going.
In an interview with the TalkTV host back in 2010, she said: "I've only just learnt how to go in a taxi. I don't flash the cash."
Asked by Piers if she would like to buy a Lamborghini car, she asked, innocently: "Is that a drink? No fancy cars, no."
Susan continued: "I'm always careful with money. I'm not saying I'm mean, but I'm always careful. I have an allowance, it's about £300-500 a week because that's plenty for me. It's pocket money."
Humble holidays
While a whole host of celebs hot-foot it to far flung locations such a the Maldives to spend their millions, Susan prefers to get her R&R closer to home.
The star was recently snapped enjoying a peaceful getaway in Ireland, with the BGT star's fans all delighted to see her on the Emerald Isle.
The singing sensation, who appeared on America's Got Talent in 2019, spent some time at the Knock House Hotel in Mayo in the West of Ireland.
Their official Facebook page shared snaps of Susan, who smiled warmly next to the local residents.
The caption read: "It was our pleasure to welcome Susan Boyle back to Knock House again recently.
"Susan is a fabulous Lady and we always love to see her return time and time again to Knock House Hotel. Pictured here with the lovely Des Dugan from the team at Senior Times LIVE."
Fans took to the comments section, with one gutted to have missed out on seeing the Scottish singer.
"OMG, this is literally down the road from me. RAGING that I missed getting a picture with Subo," they lamented.
Career now
Susan's appearance on BGT comes after a period of time away from the public eye, however she did perform at the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2021 after her UK Tour in 2020.
The singer will also take to the stage at the National Prayer Breakfast for Scotland in Edinburgh during the summer.
Speaking about the performance, she said: “I am thrilled to be performing at the Scottish Prayer Breakfast. My faith has always been my strength and backbone throughout my career.”
Susan will perform I Dreamed A Dream and a version of The Prayer, duetting with fellow BGT star, Jai McDowall, who joined the Scot on her UK tour.
